The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese government development partner, on Saturday organised a sports festival at the campus of Milestone School and College to support students’ emotional recovery following last year’s tragic jet crash.
The event, held on Sunday, was co-hosted by Milestone School and College, with support from Japan’s MUFG Bank and the child welfare organisation Ekmattra Society. The initiative aimed to help students reconnect with school life and overcome trauma caused by the incident, which had a deep emotional impact on students, teachers and families, JICA said in a statement.
National cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim attended the programme as the special guest. His presence generated enthusiasm among students and teachers, offering encouragement as the school community continues its recovery efforts, JICA said.
School authorities said Milestone School has faced significant challenges since the incident, with around 100 students becoming irregular in attendance in the months that followed. A noticeable decline in students’ emotional attachment to school life was also observed.
While counselling support has been provided, a shared and uplifting experience was needed to help students process trauma and replace painful memories with positive ones, JICA said in a statement.
With that objective, the sports festival featured a range of games and activities, including cricket, designed to encourage participation, teamwork and a sense of togetherness among students. The programme was planned as a sports-based healing initiative aimed at restoring resilience and joyful engagement, JICA said.
The initiative has further strengthened JICA’s partnership with Milestone School and College, presenting a model for holistic child development during times of crisis, the statement added.
Mushfiqur Rahim, an alumnus of the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan, interacted with students during the event. His journey from grassroots sports to the national level served as a source of inspiration for students working to rebuild confidence, JICA said.
JICA also noted that it has worked closely with BKSP over the years and has dispatched nearly 30 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in the field of sports in Bangladesh.
More than 1,300 students, including participants and spectators, took part in the festival. Beyond the sporting activities, the day provided students with an opportunity to interact, support one another and view their school once again as a safe and positive space, JICA said in the statement.
